Accommodating In-Person Appointments
Virtual and phone appointments offer convenience to both patients and physicians, but it is important to remember that these formats are not always accessible or suitable for everyone.
Some patients rely on visual cues, have difficulty communicating over the phone, or face barriers such as hearing impairments, unstable phone access, or conditions that require a physical examination. In these cases, an in-person appointment may be more suitable to ensure safe and effective medical care is provided.
To support patient choice and accessibility when scheduling virtual or phone appointments, clinics should offer patients the option to request an in-person appointment and provide it in a timely manner, if that is the patient’s preference. (SEE: Sec. 3, Standard of Practice – Virtual Medicine).
This simple step helps ensure patients receive care in the manner that best meets their needs and aligns with your professional expectations for patient-centred practice.
For information, resources, and FAQ’s about virtual medicine, see the Contextual Document for the Standard of Practice – Virtual Medicine.